County of Union

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the County Clerk’s Passport Office has been recognized for excellent performance by the U.S. Department of State with a Certificate of Achievement, indicating that all required standards have been met or exceeded.

The Passport Office of the Union County Clerk assists members of the public in preparing and submitting their applications to the State Department for new passports and renewals.

“As an official Agent for State Department passport services, my office provides the public with meticulous, timely attention to the details of submitting an application to the State Department, commensurate with the vital role that passports play in the ability of our residents to travel overseas, whether for business, employment, education, family matters or leisure,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “I am very proud of my staff and I thank them for their dedication to excellence.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your dedication and participating in the Passport Acceptance Agent Program,” the State Department wrote last month, in a letter notifying the County Clerk of the award. “The program analyst that performed your facility’s audit was very impressed with your facility and found everything in compliance with the Passport Agent Reference Guide.”

The letter also emphasized that the audit revealed no areas in need of required improvements, underscoring a remarkably high level of performance for passport agents.

Union County residents can use two convenient office locations in Elizabeth and Westfield to access passport services in person from the County Clerk.

Appointments are required online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/county-clerk.

For details on office locations and hours, visit the Passport Office online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/passport-services.

For additional assistance by phone call the Elizabeth office at 908-527-4966, or call the Westfield office at 908-654-9859.

More information about all County Clerk programs and services is available at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak announced a new system to help Union County residents schedule appointments for Surrogate services, including matters related to wills, adoptions, guardianships, and more.

“As Surrogate, I am charged with serving all of our residents in a professional and efficient manner during a time in their lives that may be difficult,” said Union County Surrogate Christopher Hudak. “With demand for services increasing, we have transitioned to a more efficient system that will allow us to accommodate more cases daily.”

Residents can now call 908-527-4280 or email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org to schedule an appointment with the Surrogate’s office. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Friday, between 8:30AM–12:30PM and 1:30PM–4:00PM. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred in order to serve residents most effectively. The Surrogate’s office cannot guarantee particular wait times for walk-ins.

The role of a County Surrogate is to oversee the probate of wills, qualification of will executors, appointment of administrators for those estates without wills, and qualification of guardians for incapacitated persons and minors, as well as certain matters related to adoption. The Surrogate also operates the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund for Minors and Incapacitated Persons. The Surrogate is a Constitutional Officer who is elected to the position every five years.

For more information, visit ucnj.org/surrogate, email ucsurrogate@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4280. Follow Surrogate Hudak on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SurrogateChristopherHudak.

The Union County Board of Elections is seeking bilingual poll workers for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and General Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. In addition to receiving a stipend of $300.00 for the day, poll workers perform a valuable civic service by helping to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote on Election Day.

“Bilingual poll workers are especially helpful in our diverse community, so we encourage everyone with a second language, specifically Spanish, to participate in this very important civic service,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.

Any Union County resident who is 18 years or older, and registered to vote in Union County, can qualify to become a poll worker.

No experience is needed. Before Election Day, each new poll worker must attend an in-person training course.

Persons interested in becoming a poll worker are advised to apply now in order to reserve a spot.

For more information and to obtain an application form, visit the Poll Worker Resources page at the Board of Elections website, ucnj.org/pollworker. To request an application form by mail, call the Board of Elections at 908-527-4236 or email pollworker@ucnj.org.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

The Union County Board of Commissioners reminds residents that they can use Union County’s free, countywide drop-off locations to safely dispose of toxic or potentially hazardous products commonly found in the home and yard. The first Household Hazardous Waste event of the 2023 recycling calendar will take place on Saturday, April 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Union County College, located at 1033 Springfield Avenue in Cranford.

Any Union County resident may participate, regardless of their home town.

“Our Household Hazardous Waste events provide every Union County resident with an opportunity to protect their property against environmental and health hazards, while also disposing of toxic wastes safely and responsibly,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Sergio Granados. “We can all benefit by reducing the presence of unwanted and potentially dangerous products in our homes and yards.”

The Household Hazardous Waste events offer Union County residents a free, environmentally responsible way to dispose of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats and thermometers, propane tanks and automobile tires (limit of 8 per household with rims off) among many other products.

The list of accepted items also includes oil-based paints and varnishes, antifreeze, aerosol cans, pool chemicals, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, thinners, fire extinguishers, motor oil and oil filters, gasoline, batteries, thermostats, fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), mercury switches, and more.

Please note that latex paint (water-based) wall paint is NOT accepted at these events.  To dispose of unwanted latex paint, residents are advised to use it, donate it, or dry the paint in the can and discard it in regular household garbage with the lid off. To help dry out paint, add kitty litter, newspaper or a product called waste paint hardener.

Union County’s Household Hazardous Waste events are drop-off only and contact-free. Participants should load their items in their trunk or other area easily accessed by staff.

Participants must remain in their vehicles while staff at the site unloads their items.

Only materials in original or labeled containers will be accepted. No containers larger than five gallons will be accepted.

For more details about all Union County recycling programs, including a complete list of the materials that will be accepted at the April 1 event, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

The Household Hazardous Waste collection event will be held rain or shine, for Union County residents only, not for businesses. Proof of Union County residency is required. For more information, please call the Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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As part of 2023 Chairman Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in partnership with the Union County Division on Aging, is proud to announce the launch of the 2023 Social 60+ Program for qualifying senior Union County residents.

“After seeing the success of the pilot program last year, we have decided to launch the Social 60+ program again for 2023, which will include even more restaurants that seniors can visit and enjoy,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Seniors across Union County are active, engaged in their communities, and looking for ways to get out and enjoy the social scene with their friends and this program is a great way for them to do that, while enjoying a nutritionally balanced meal. As part of my Chairman initiatives, this is just another way we are taking care of our senior community, all while supporting local restaurants.”

Social 60+ was designed to bring the benefits of a healthy meal and socialization into the community for older adults in Union County. It is open to all Union County residents age 60 and over, with the exception of active County employees.

Participating restaurants include: the Garden Restaurant, located at 943 Magie Avenue in Union, The Tavern at Ash Brook, located at 1210 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains and Mambo Cuban Restaurant, located at 2185 US-22 W in Union.

Each participating restaurant has agreed to accept a voucher from the Union County Division on Aging in exchange for meal options designated by the restaurant and approved by a Nutritionist. To participate, one must be a Union County resident 60 years and over; agree to attend a nutrition education program offered by the Division on Aging at least once a quarter and provide all necessary information during intake.

“This senior dining program both expands access to nutritional meals as well as adds to community engagement,” said Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “This is just another way to keep our older adult community active and there is no better way than breaking bread in a restaurant of their choosing with their peers. I would like to thank our Division on Aging for their constant efforts to improve our seniors’ quality of life and build a stronger community.”

All qualified residents are invited and encouraged to enjoy a meal through this program. The voucher process is done via the phone with the Division on Aging, once the intake is complete and approved, residents will receive their vouchers by mail.  Vouchers must be used by 12/31/23. Expired vouchers will not be honored. Participants may select from a set menu of choices that have been designated to meet the Older Americans Act (OAA) standards of one-third recommended dietary allowances and compliance with the OAA dietary guidelines.

For the Social 60+ restaurant voucher, please call the Union County Division on Aging, at (908) 527-4870.  Please visit www.ucnj.org/aging for information on any of their programs.

For more information about this or other programs offered, please call the Union County Division on Aging with any questions, toll-free at 1-888-280-8226.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite residents of Union County, age 6o and up, to enter an artwork in the 2023 Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit. The exhibit will be held at the Scotch Plains campus of Union College of Union County NJ, at 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains.

“Older adults contribute so much to the rich diversity of creative talent in our community, and the annual Union County Senior Citizens Art Exhibit provides a way for all of us to recognize and celebrate their ability to communicate across a range of artistic mediums,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are looking forward to this year’s exhibit.”

Both professional and non-professional artists at all levels of experience are invited to submit their work to the Union County Senior Citizens Art Show. No previous experience in art shows is needed, and there is no entry fee. All entries must be an original work completed within the past three years.

The deadline to register is Sunday,April 16.  Registration online is required. Full instructions and registration form are at ucnj.org/senior-art.

Seniors without internet access can have a relative or friend with an email address register on their behalf. If additional assistance is needed, call the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 908-558-2552 (relay users dial 711) or email msturm@ucnj.org.

The Senior Citizens Art Exhibit is an annual program presented and coordinated by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks and Recreation. The exhibit will open on April 20, and a closing reception will be held on June 1.

The media categories include acrylic painting, oil painting, watercolor, pastel, works on paper (drawing), photography, digital art (excluding digital photography), mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, and craft.

Artworks entered will be judged by a panel of professional artists who will designate separate awards for professionals and non-professionals. All first-place artworks will go on to compete at the state level in the New Jersey Senior Citizens Art Show this fall.

This program is made possible by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

More information about all programs and activities of the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is available online at ucnj.org/cultural.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the annual Wildlife Photography Contest is returning to the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Amateur photographers in Union County age 10 and up are invited to enter their original photographs of wild animals in their natural habitats including birds, fish, amphibians and insects as well as mammals.

“Preserving and protecting our natural environment is a priority for the Commissioner Board, and the photography contest provides an opportunity for photographers in our community to share messages about the beauty and variety of life in our public parks, and beyond,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

To learn how to submit a photograph to the Wildlife Photography Contest, call Trailside at 908-789-3670 or visit ucnj.org/trailside.

Entries must be received or postmarked no later than April 18, 2023.

The Wildlife Photography Contest is open to non-professional photographers only. Photographs can be in color or black-and-white, and can depict wildlife in any natural habitat, including those located outside of Union County.

Each submission must be submitted without a frame or matting, in print size 5’ x 7.” A panel of local, professional photographers will judge the photographs in groups of ages 10-13, 14-17, and 18 or older.

The judging will be based on originality, composition, technical excellence and artistic merit.

The winning entries will be announced at the annual Wild Earth Fest event at Trailside on April 30, 2023. Wild Earth Fest is an outdoor family event featuring live animals, children’s activities, nature education, food, music and more.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of County Commissioners under the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more details about the Wildlife Photography Contest and other upcoming programs at Trailside, visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670. Information on all Parks and Recreation programs is available at ucnj.org/parks.

Aside from special programming, Trailside welcomes visitors free of charge every day except Mondays and major holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit the Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to bring their personal and sensitive documents to free paper shredding events. The first two events of the 2023 recycling season will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

“Our free paper shredding service is one of our most popular programs. Every year, thousands of Union County residents use this opportunity to help prevent fraud and identity theft, by disposing of their personal documents securely. Our vendor also recycles the shredded paper to help conserve valuable resources,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Union County’s free shredding events take place each year from March to November, bringing a mobile paper shredding truck to various locations throughout the County. Any Union County resident can take their personal documents to be shredded at any of these events, regardless of their home town.

Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m., but may finish earlier if the shredding trucks fill up to capacity.

The paper shredding events are contact-free and drive-up only. Drivers must remain in their cars while staff unloads their papers, which are shredded on site in a mobile shredding truck.

To bring documents to the Vocational-Technical Schools campus, follow signs from the main entrance to the shredding location at the rear of the campus, in the Police Academy parking lot.

Participants are reminded pre-shredded, damp, or wet paper will not be accepted. Bindings, large plastic or metal clips, and other paraphernalia should be removed.

For the complete schedule and more information on all recycling programs hosted by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

Union County’s free shedding events are intended for personal, sensitive documents only. Residents can recycle magazines, junk mail and other waste paper with their municipal recycling program. Contact your municipal recycling coordinator for more details about recycling in your community.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

For more information and updates on all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents that the first two scrap metal recycling events of 2023 will take place on Thursday, April 6 and Saturday, April 15. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway every month from April to November.

“Our scrap metal program provides a free, convenient way to clear out old or unwanted metal items from homes, yards and garages while helping the environment, by sending material into the recycling stream instead of an incinerator or landfill,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, April 6 and Saturday, April 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

These events are drive-up only and contact-free. Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

The program continues on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month until November. The next two scrap metal events will take place on Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, May 20. For complete details visit ucnj.org/recycling/scrap-metal.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The free Recycle Coach mobile app provides a handy way to find out what items are included in curbside recycling programs and drop-off sites in Union County. The app provides up to date information on both countywide and local recycling programs.

Experts from the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning are also available to present recycling information to schools, community groups and other organizations. To schedule a program contact Heather Miara, heather.miara@ucnj.org.

Quick links to all environmental programs and activities hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Union County Board of Elections advises Westfield residents that Tuesday, April 4 is the deadline for voter registration for the April 25 Westfield Annual School Board Election.

“At its June 21, 2022 Board meeting, the Westfield Board of Education approved a resolution to move the School Board Election to April, as permitted by statute.  Voters will be voting for Board of Education members as well as the budget,” explained Nicole DiRado, Administrator of the Union County Board of Elections. “Voters should make sure they register by the April 4 deadline if they wish to vote in this election on April 25.”

The election will take place from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on April 25. Voting will take place at the regular polling locations, which can be found on the Election Board website, ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123.

The secure ballot drop box located at the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County complex, 300 North Avenue East, will be open for this election for voters wishing to return their mail-in by using the drop box.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.